We believe that the Holy Spirit is God’s chosen teacher. It is He who causes spiritual
growth and formation when and as He chooses. As such, we have articulated 10 distinct
environments to create in your home. We desire to create spiritual space, which we refer
to as an environment, in which God’s Spirit can move freely.

This environment encourages a posture of the heart that asks the question “What needs to
be done?” It allows the Holy Spirit to cultivate a sensitivity to others and reminds us that we’re
called to a cause bigger than one individual life. It helps fulfill the mandate that, as followers of
Jesus, we are to view our lives as living sacrifices we generously give away!
“What needs to be done?” What if you and I and our kids walked into every situation, with
every person, and simply asked this question? Somebody’s crying. What needs to be done? Does
she need to be left alone? Does she need to be hugged? Does she need to talk to someone?
Does she need someone to pray for her?

Michelle Anthony
Family Ministry Architect
David C Cook

Follow Michelle: @TruInspiration

Out of my own selfishness I don’t always want to answer that question the way I know the
Holy Spirit wants me to. But when we hear it and respond to it, we enter a very rich environment
that enables us to lead an other-centered life. What might it look like if we started pursuing this
posture with our children from an early age … teaching them to walk into any situation asking
“What needs to be done?” Wow—we’d live in a different world!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF SERVING
(an excerpt from Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony)

Even small children need to discover that part of responding to God’s love for us is serving Him
… I know one family that has a whiteboard next to their front door. As they enter and exit, they
see the names of their family members. As they seek to serve their family, they simply sign their
initials next to the name of the member they served in some way. It doesn’t say what was done,
but it offers visual accountability to each member of the family to fulfill what the apostle Paul
wrote in the same chapter where he connected worship with service (Romans 12). He said, “Be
devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking
in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:10–11). Ultimately, when we
serve each other, we are serving the Lord.

Follow us on Twitter @HFfamily for updates and
encouragement as you spiritually parent your children.

4

When I think about living in the environment
of SERVING, I picture packing up my family
and moving to a desolate country or trading my
normal, everyday life to work in an orphanage.
And while each of those scenarios would be
amazing, if God called me there, I’m learning to
recognize that just being a parent means living
a life of service. From the time the sun rises to
the end of the day, we’re serving our families.
Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. School. Soccer. Piano.
The list goes on and on. We serve our families
because we love them. We see the needs, and
our actions constantly answer the question
“What needs to be done?”
This month’s issue of HomeFront focuses on
the why behind SERVING. The God’s Word
section (page 7) explains why God calls us to
put the needs of others before our own. Simply
put, it’s because Christ laid down His life for us.
In Worship (page 8) we discover that the Greek
word for worship, latria, can also be translated as
“service.” Worship and service are inseparable—
they’re literally the same word.
You’ll have tons of family fun playing this
month’s games (page 10) with a new twist on
some old favorites. And the Anti-Chore Chart
in Create (page 11) will shine a new light on the
many ways we can serve our families.
On a final note, I’m excited to think about a
generation of children walking into situations
asking and answering the question “What needs
to be done?” Our world will become a better
place, and many will come to know Christ
through the actions of just a few. It starts in our
homes, but who knows where it will go?

SERVING | HomeFrontMag.com

HOW TO USE
FAMILY TIME ...

FAMILY TIME

sy as
a
e
s
a
It's
ONE
TWO
THREE

1

Start by deciding on a day and time
that works well for your entire family.
It can be an evening, afternoon, or
morning. Just commit to building
this time into your family’s natural
rhythm. It’s usually best to build this
time around a meal.

FAMILY VERSE

2

Memorizing Scripture can be an incredible
practice to engage in as a family. But words in
and of themselves will not necessarily transform
us; it is God’s Spirit in these words who
transforms. We come to know God more when
we’re willing to open our hearts and listen to
His Holy Spirit through the words we memorize.
Have fun with this verse, and think of creative
ways to invite your family to open up to God as
they commit this verse to memory.

Look through HomeFront and see
what stands out. Choose two or
three experiences you would like to
incorporate into your family times
each week. Don’t feel burdened to
complete all the activities at once,
but carefully select which ones will
fit your family best. This resource
provides your family with more
than enough experiences to create
transforming environments in your
home throughout the month.

Be devoted to one another in
love. Honor one another above
yourselves. Never be lacking in
zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the Lord.

Romans 12:10–11

3

FAMILY TIME IDEAS!

Remember to HAVE FUN! Strive to
make each gathering unique to your
own family as you enjoy spending
time with God and each other.
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family time

c a p t u r i n g t h e s e as o n

D
N
A
L
R
A
G
L
L
FA
This month, make a festive fall garland
to hang in your home and watch
it fill up with the ways your family
intentionally chooses to serve others.

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Cut several small pennants out of fall-colored felt or fabric.
• Using the leaf template provided, cut several leaves out of burlap.
• Using the clothespins, attach each pennant to the twine to create the
garland. You may choose to leave space between the pennants where
you’ll later pin the burlap leaves.
• Using a fabric or paint marker, write an “act of service” idea on each
leaf. (You may want to put newspaper underneath the burlap in case
the ink seeps through the holes.)

SUPPLIES:

• Hang the banner in a prominent place in your home, and place the
leaves and small clothespins in a basket nearby.

• fall-colored felt or fabric • burlap • scissors • twine

• Throughout the month, as you complete each act of service, add the
corresponding leaf to the garland, either by hanging it between two
pennants or clipping onto the top of a pennant.

HELPFUL HINTS:
Each family member should brainstorm age-appropriate acts of
service she would like to do at some point this month (washing dishes,
emptying the garbage, taking care of a pet, doing laundry, baking cookies
for a teacher, making an encouraging card for a friend or relative, etc.).
Try including acts of service done within the home, acts of service that
will benefit those outside of the home, and acts of service that can be
completed together as a family. Have each person choose a few activities
that will be especially stretching for him in addition to activities that are
already part of his normal routine. This way, as your family is called into
greater service this month, you will also be encouraged to recognize
the things that you already do to meet the needs of those around you!
by: Emily Ganzfried

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family time

g o d ’ s wo r d

Why We Serve

HEAR IT
Read Mark 10:45 and 1 John 3:16–17 with your
family. Then consider the following questions.

Service can take many different forms, but the idea and motivation
remains the same: to put the needs and desires of others before our
own. Jesus sums up this call by reminding us that “even the Son of
Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).

• Knowing even Jesus came to serve, how can we
serve as well?
• How does serving in response to God’s sacrifice
change the heart behind our service?

We understand that we have a biblical mandate to serve. We know
we should serve because God tells us to serve. However, what’s the
“why” behind our service? Why does God call us to serve others?

• Is Christ calling us to specific acts of service or a
lifestyle defined by serving others?

We know we can’t be saved through serving, because salvation
comes only through God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8–9). We also know
serving doesn’t make us any holier in God’s eyes, because only faith
yields righteousness before God (Romans 4:2–3). In light of this, the
question remains: Why does God call us to serve?

DO IT
If we’re serving in response to Christ’s sacrifice, this
ultimately shifts our perspective on why we serve.

We see the answer clearly in 1 John 3:16–17: “This is how we know
what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought
to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has
material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no
pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

As a family, talk about the ways you’ve previously
approached serving.
• Do we decide to serve because we have to or
because we get to?

Christ calls us to serve because He first performed the ultimate
act of service for us: He took the punishment for our sins by dying
on the cross. And since we’ve been purchased with Christ’s blood,
we should lay down our “right” to our own lives and give our lives for
the sake of others. We serve others in response to Jesus’ love for us,
and we can see a picture of this throughout the New Testament as
well as our churches and faith communities today.

• What kind of attitude do we have when we serve?
Does this attitude reflect a thankfulness for all
Christ has done for us?
Next, talk about how serving could look different if
you served in response to Christ’s love. Discuss:
• How can we view serving as a joyful gift?

God calls us to serve others because He first served us. As a result,
our lives aren’t our own.

• In what practical ways can we serve as a family
while remaining in a posture of response toward
the Lord?
Now, go out and do it! Pray together and ask God
to lead you to the place where He’s calling you to
serve. Then serve in response to the love Christ has
already shared with you.
And while you serve, seek every opportunity to
spread God’s Word. Nothing displays Christ more
beautifully than being His hands and feet.
by Joel Stanton

7

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family time

wo r s h i p

P
I
H
S
R
O
W
S
A
S E RV I C E
The early church couldn’t even think of worship outside of this concept of service. The Greek
word for worship is latria. This happens to be the same word for service. Latria is service.
Latria is worship. So the New International Version renders Romans 12:1 like this: “Therefore,
I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and
pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” The original Greek text can also be
translated, “This is your spiritual act of service.” The two are inseparable. It’s the same word. So
for us to be worshippers with our lives, we must learn to be servants as well. We must enter into
every situation and ask the question, “What needs to be done?”
(an excerpt from Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony)

WE OFTEN THINK
OF WORSHIP AS
SINGING, BUT WE
CAN WORSHIP
GOD IN MANY
DIFFERENT WAYS.

This month, after reading Romans 12:1, begin to list the ways you can worship God with your
life. Make three lists and title them “Past,” “Present,” and “Future.” List the ways each person has
responded to the question “What needs to be done?” and how you as a family have responded
in the past. Then talk about right now. How is your family responding to God now? Finally, talk
about your future—again, as an individual and as a family unit. What are some ways you can
serve God as a spiritual act of worship in the future?

Revisit your lists often, encouraging each other
to remember God’s mercy to each of us.
8

SERVING | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

traditions

serving your
FAMILY

Growing up in a pastor’s home meant we often had
a house full of people—people to whom my parents
felt compelled to minister. Last-minute meetings, Bible
studies, and impromptu counseling sessions were the
norm around our home. Many times we had no warning
when people were about to arrive. But we welcomed
them into the reality of a busy home and the messes that
come from children being children.
For the times we did have ample warning and time to
prepare for guests, we had a family tradition that made
“tidying up” a fun way we could serve each other. My
mom created a big box filled with all of the tasks that
“needed to be done” in order for our home to be ready
for guests—bathroom sinks to be cleaned, bathroom
mirrors to be wiped, trash cans to
be emptied, vacuuming, setting
the table, toys put away, pillows
plumped, front porch swept, and
the list went on. Mom would rally
“Team Edwards” (our family’s
last name) around the box and
quickly remind us that this was
a way of answering,“What needs
to be done?” On her “Go!” we
would all grab a task and scurry
off to complete it.
We had a couple of versions of
this game. Sometimes the goal was
to be the person who completed
the most tasks. To the victor went
the reward of a treat, or a dollar,
or maybe the night off from other
chores. Other times we raced as a
family to see if by working together
we could complete all the tasks by
a certain time. The goal was to be
quick and efficient.
I have such fond memories of
this tradition. Having guests always
filled our house with an exciting
buzz (because it usually meant
we’d be having dessert!). But even
more than that, it felt good to be a
part of this team called family. We
learned that we all have a part to
play in being a family and that we’re
responsible for serving each other
around our home.
by Ali Bray

A TRADITION IS THE HANDING
DOWN OF STATEMENTS,
A TRADITION IS THE HANDING
BELIEFS, OR CUSTOMS FROM
DOWN OF STATEMENTS,
GENERATION TO GENERATION.
BELIEFS, OR CUSTOMS FROM
GENERATION TO GENERATION.

9

SERVING | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

game time

TELEPHONE GAME

YO U N G E R

This version of the “Telephone” game will get your
children thinking about different acts of service in
a fun way.
Gather your family in a circle on the floor. The person to
start the game should think of an act of service, such as
washing the dishes or making someone else’s bed, and
then whisper it into the ear of the person next to him.
That person should whisper what she heard into the ear
of the next person, and so on. Once the act of service
reaches the last person in the circle, she should say it
out loud to see if it stayed the same or changed while
traveling through the circle. Usually by this time the
message will be so different from the beginning that
it will have everyone giggling hysterically!
by Heather Kasparian

P IC T IO N A RY O F S E
RV IC E

OL DE R

Play “Pictionary” with a twist! This game will have your family
sketching different acts of service.
Before you begin, write down different acts of service (e.g., making the
bed, sweeping the floor, folding clothes) on pieces of paper. Fold the
papers and put them in a bowl. Then, depending on the size of your
family, split into two teams (or keep things simple with one big group).
If you split into teams, choose one person to take a piece of paper
with an act of service on it. Then give him 45 seconds to sketch it out
while his teammates try to guess the act of service. If they guess
correctly, they get one point. If not, the other team gets the chance
to guess. Then it’s the other team’s turn.
If you decide not to split into teams, just take turns sketching out
the acts of service you choose while everyone else tries to guess
each one (no need to keep score for this version). Have fun!

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SERVING | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

c r e at e

ANTI-CHORE CHART
In Matthew 22:37, Jesus tells us the greatest commandment is to love
God with all our heart, soul, and mind. He immediately follows that
with a commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our service
to others reflects the depth of our love for God. When we serve
those around us, we serve God as well. Through the environment of
SERVING we cultivate hearts within our children that ask the question

Do nothing out of selfish
ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value
others above yourselves,
not looking to your own
interests but each of you to
the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4
begin by coloring the chart to make it your
own. Then start filling in the blanks on the
left side of the page with the names of family
members you will be serving. Next, fill in the
ways you will serve that family member across
the top. You may consider brainstorming
ideas for ways they can serve around your
home by encouraging them to answer the
question “What needs to be done?

“What needs to be done?” This isn’t an attitude that comes naturally
to most children. Egocentric by nature, most children have a “me first”
approach to life. This environment of SERVING teaches children to
instead have the “you first” approach described in Philippians 2:3–4.
In order to help cultivate this environment in our own home, my
husband and I have emphasized to our children that our family
functions as a team. We do not have a list of chores that our children
must complete, and we don’t pay them to work at our home. Instead,
because they’re members of “Team Crockett,” we try to remind them
that they’re responsible for working together on the daily tasks related to
our home. This has often resulted in picking up toys that another sibling
left out, helping Mom pack Dad's lunch, or another small act of service.
This month, try replacing your children's chore charts with our
HomeFront “Acts of Service” chart found at the end of this issue.
Unlike a chore chart, which features a list of items that need to be
completed, this chart starts out blank. You and your children can
11

As the weeks pass, offer your children
less input and see what they come up with
on their own. As you serve others, fill your
charts with stickers or drawings to serve as
a visual reminder of the different ways you
chose to serve your family. When your charts
are full, celebrate with a fun family activity or
special treat.
by Alyson Crockett

CREATE IS A TIME TO
ENGAGE YOUR FAMILY
IN A COLLABORATIVE
RESPONSE TO HEARING
GOD’S TRUTH.
SERVING | HomeFrontMag.com

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large skillet, brown meat with onion and bell pepper. Drain any
excess fat.
2. T
ransfer cooked meat and vegetables to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in water, tomato paste, and seasoning packet.
4. Cover and turn heat to low. Allow to simmer for four to five hours,
stirring occasionally.
5. Just before serving, warm the buns or rolls in the oven for five to 10
minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Set out all desired toppings.
7. Now have each member of the family serve up a sloppy joe for another
person. Make sure you ask each person which toppings she would like.
For an easy metric conversion chart, search the internet for “metric kitchen.”

1. Have the children help wash any fruit that
needs washing.
2. Peel the apples and cut into fourths.
3. Peel the pineapple and de-core it. Then cut
each section into chunks.
4. Once you’ve prepared the fruit, have the
children cut different shapes out of the fruit
using the cookie cutters.
5.
Thread the fruit pieces on the lollipop
sticks. If you have trouble poking the stick
though the fruit, first poke a hole with the
sharp end of a kabob stick.
6.
To add some variety to the kabobs,
challenge your children to create different
patterns of fruit.
7. Serve your kabobs on a platter.

family time

co n v e r sat i o n sta r t e r s

Remember or Act
In this variation of “Truth or Dare,” each family member will have the chance to “Remember or Act.” Write
each family member’s name on a piece of paper, fold it up, and toss it into a bowl. Fill another bowl with
different acts of service, each on a piece of paper. Some examples: “Help another family member clean his
room,” “Help a neighbor with yard work,” etc.

by Heather Kasparian

GET YOUR CHILDREN TALKING …
Have your family sit in a circle on the floor. Starting with a parent, so the kids can see how to play, pull a piece of paper from the name bowl, read
the name, and ask that family member to choose “remember” or “act.”
If she chooses “remember,” she gets the opportunity to share a time someone helped her or a time she helped someone else. If she chooses
“act,” she must pull a piece of paper from the acts of service jar. As you play, make a list of each family member’s acts of service, and help her
complete them throughout the week.
Encourage everyone to be on the lookout for new acts of service to add to the jar, and continue playing this game all month.
13

SERVING | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

sto ry t e l l i n g

SERVING KIDS
“What needs to be done?”
Just ask the kids!
Most of us have been part of a service activity
designed to meet a need in our community or
our world. Usually we participate in service
projects that have been planned in advance,
carefully orchestrated, and divided into
specific tasks by adult leaders who “know
how” to do it. But lately I’m learning that the
best kind of service comes from the little ones
we serve.
At our church, part of the regular worship
in children’s ministry involves bringing
offerings for pre-selected projects designed
to meet specific needs. Our children give
generously, prayerfully, and cheerfully. We talk
about how their gifts can help others, whether
it’s digging wells that provide clean drinking
water, helping mothers and babies with
food and necessities, or building a school for
children in Liberia. These kids are always on
board and eager to help others!
And while this is all great, we have found
the best service projects in our ministry are
the ones initiated by the kids themselves!

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sto ry t e l l i n g

It’s amazing to see how God
uses these kids when they ask
the question “What needs to be
done?” and allow the Holy Spirit
to guide them.
Recently a seven-year-old girl
name McKenna suggested we
bring money to buy blankets to
be given through Samaritan’s
Purse. McKenna saw a brochure
that ignited a spark and passion
for this organization. She
researched the project, explained
it to the group at church, and
got started! And she didn’t just
stop with the kids at church.
She talked to her teacher at
her public school and led her
classmates in a fundraising
project to raise money for
blankets. She also wrote letters
to friends and relatives asking
for contributions. The result?
Seventy-nine warm, comfy
blankets going to children
around the world!
Another opportunity for
serving came about when
of one of the families in our
church was involved in a

serious car accident. The mom,
dad, and eight-year-old daughter
Jessica were taken by ambulance
to the trauma center. Mom and
daughter were released, but
dad stayed in the intensive care
unit for several days. As Jessica
visited her dad, she discovered
that children were also patients
in the ICU. On one of her daily
visits, Jessica learned that
stuffed animals were given to
young patients to comfort them.
Unfortunately, they had run out
of stuffed toys! Jessica got an
idea that, as she explained to
me, exploded in her brain! God
was speaking powerfully to this
young girl. She told me about
her idea to collect stuffed animals
for the children in the hospital.
We gave her time that very day
to share her God-given idea
and passion with the children
of her church community. By
the next Sunday, the very large
box designated for the stuffed
animals was overflowing!

15

Jessica and I delivered
all the stuffed animals to the
hospital. The children received
them gratefully. After handing
out the toys, eight-year-old
Jessica prayed a blessing over
the patients before we left.
We believe God’s love was
delivered with each stuffed
animal that was given away.
by Eileen Reid
Children’s Ministry Director
Valley View Church
Clackamas, Oregon

SERVING | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

p r ay e r

?
T
R
A
P
Y
M
S
I
T
A
WH
The environment of SERVING encourages
us to ask the question “What needs to be
done?” This can seem like an overwhelming
question when we look at all of the pain and
need in our world. So much needs to be done.
But we don’t have to answer this question on
our own. When we’re intimately connected
with God, He will answer this question for us.
We have the comfort of knowing we can go
to God continually and ask Him what part
He wants us to play in meeting the needs of
our world. He will break our hearts for what
breaks His. He will open our eyes to the things
that need to be done. He will be faithful to
answer us every day if we look to Him and
ask, “Lord, today, what needs to be done, and
what is my part in that?”
At the beginning of the month, take a few
minutes to gather your family for prayer.
Explain to them you’ll be spending the next
week asking God to show you what needs to
be done. Share with them that God sees and
knows all of the pain and need in our world,
and He has a special part for each of us to
play in healing that pain. If we ask Him, He
will show us what He wants done. As you pray,
ask God to give you His love and compassion
for this world. Then ask Him to open the
eyes and ears of each family member in the
coming week so you may see and know what
needs to be done around you. Pray that
He would begin to show your family what
unique part each of you can play in His story
in this coming month.
Next, explain to your family the following
plan for the coming week: Each time you head
out into your community—whether getting in
the car to drive somewhere, walking around
your neighborhood, heading to the park or
the store, or wherever you go—simply pray
out loud, “God, please show us what needs to
be done.” Encourage your family members to

point out things that need to be done. Maybe you see a lot of trash at
your neighborhood park that needs to be picked up. Or you notice
your neighbor just had a baby and could use a meal. Perhaps you hear
about children in other countries who need to be sponsored. Jot down
what you notice in your “family serving notebook.” If you have older
children, you may want to get each family member his own notebook.
Remind your family that as you notice needs around you, this is God
talking to you and showing you His heart for our world.
At the end of the week, gather as a family and read through your
notebooks. Pray over the things you wrote down and ask God to show
you how your family can meet these needs. Pick a few of them and
make a plan for how you will do those things this month. Remind them
that as you do this, you’re joining God in caring for this hurting world.
What a privilege to be able to partner with and be used by Him!
by Laura Weber

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family time

g lo b a l

Where in the World Is ...

PHILIPPINES

Awakening a compassionate heart and a global mindset in children for
people beyond the boundaries of their own neighborhoods.

PHILIPPINES
SOUTH
CHINA
SEA

The Republic of the Philippines consists of an

N
W

E
S

archipelago of 7,107 islands situated southeast of
mainland Asia and separated from it by the South
China Sea. The land area of the Philippines covers
approximately 115,831 square miles, 67 percent of
which is contained within the two largest islands of
Luzon and Mindanao. Other large islands include
Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte,
Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate.

POPULATION:
101,833,938

LANGUAGE:
Tagalog

RELIGION:

80.9% Roman Catholic
5% Islam
4.5% Other Christians

NOW THAT WE KNOW THE LOCATION OF
THE PHILIPPINES, LET’S MEET ITS PEOPLE.
More than one hundred and one million people call
the Philippines their home.

DID YOU KNOW?
• The Philippines is considered to be the “text capital of
the world.” Filipinos send about three hundred fifty to
four hundred million text messages every day—more
than the number of text messages sent daily by Europe
and the United States combined!

As in other Asian countries, rice is a staple for all
meals. Coconut is used liberally when creating
many dishes, and coconut milk is used to cook meat
and vegetables. Most Filipinos prefer fish and other
seafood such as crabs and shellfish. In fact, they
appreciate seafood best when it’s left uncooked
in vinaigrette and sometimes stuffed with onions
wrapped in banana leaf.

• The “Conus Gloriamaris,” the rarest and most expensive
seashell in the world, is one of the 12,000 species of
seashells found in the Philippines. And out of the 500
coral species known worldwide, 488 can be found there.

If you went to church in the Philippines, you would
most likely go to a Roman Catholic church.

TO GREET SOMEONE, YOU WOULD SAY:

“KUMUSTA”

(derived from and pronounced like the
Spanish greeting “Còmo Està”)
To talk with your friends in the Philippines, you would speak Tagalog.

Warmth and hospitality seem to be innate Filipino qualities.
Filipinos consider serving others the best they have to be an
honor. A typical Filipino house isn’t a home unless it’s ready
to serve unexpected visitors. If you arrive at a Filipino house
during mealtime, you’ll be asked to sit down and share what
they have on the table. Eating alone without asking others to
join is considered rude.
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family time

blessing

OTHERS FIRST
by Debbie Guinn

A blessing can be a prayer of
commission, a Bible passage, or words
of encouragement. Blessings can also
be spoken over a child for the purpose
of declaring God’s protection, joy, and
wisdom over him.

BLESS
Read this passage of Scripture over your children to
remind them that we’ve all been given gifts we can use to
serve others.

God’s gifts of grace come in many forms.
Each of you has received a gift in order to
serve others. You should use it faithfully.
(1 Peter 4:10 NIrV)

PRAY
[Child’s name], may you always remember the sacrifice
Jesus Christ made for you and serve Him and others
faithfully.

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INSPIRE
Parenting stories and devotions to spur you on and motivate
you as you spiritually parent your children.

EQUIP
Resources to prepare you as you navigate through tough
ages and tough topics.

“If you wanna be
great in God’s
kingdom, learn to
be a servant
of all.”
—Psalty the Singing
Songbook

T

he culture in which the majority of us live is riddled with entitlement.
Humility is hard to come by. In many circles, children are being raised to get
what they want, when they want it. This isn’t restricted to well-off families
that spoil their kids based on materialistic excess—it also applies to parents who
just don’t want to deal with confrontation, desperate to avoid conflict and keep
the peace. By doing so, however, we’re inadvertently teaching our young ones that
they’re authorized to demand. We unintentionally teach them they’re exempt from
serving in order to be served. In churches and schools alike, too often parents
assume the proverbial role of servant to their demanding taskmaster of a child.
So how do you cultivate a sense of servanthood in a child? How do you soften a
child’s heart and help him see the worth of another? Initially it begins in us. Kids,
from the earliest age, learn from what we do and mimic our behavior. If we have
a tendency to put ourselves first, they will have a tendency to put themselves
first. Digging a little deeper, we could ask ourselves why we put ourselves first
to begin with. Could it be possible that we’re born with an innate sense of selfpreservation and fear?
Case in point: In chapter 10 of the book of Mark, Jesus took His disciples aside
and told them, plain as day, what was going to happen to Him. He’d be arrested,
condemned, and crucified and would rise from the dead. The 12 responded with
a dramatic change of subject that led to a bizarre conversation about who would
sit at Jesus’ right hand. This response showed their lack of understanding and
their complete self-centeredness. Jesus set them straight by saying, in essence,
“You guys are acting like unbelievers! You’re called to be different. You want to
be great? Serve! Even I, the Son of Man, came to serve, not to be served.” The
disciples reacted out of fear and a desperate sense of self-preservation. It was as
if they saw that the end was near and they needed to secure their positions in
heaven before anyone else took their spot. I believe our children have a tendency
to do the same. Perhaps we do too.
One way I experienced this in my family was when my kids were younger. I
can recall countless times they were faced with the difficult choice of allowing
their friends to go first. Whether it was taking turns playing with a toy or choosing
which movie they’d like to watch, it was difficult for them not to have their own way.
I watched them almost seem tortured when snacks were limited and they allowed
their friend to choose first, which almost always resulted in them not getting what
they wanted. I’ve tried to teach them over the years to always let others go first,
especially when they’re our guests. Allowing someone else to choose first is a
beautiful lesson in being a servant—especially when you’re young.
It takes an enormous amount of effort to teach children to put others first.
Just like the disciples, we all seem to have this innate sense of making sure we
get what we think we deserve—get first and then give. But God calls us to give
and serve first and let Him take care of us. It all comes down to how much we
really trust God to take care of us. Once we’re secure in our knowledge that God
has our lives under control, even in the midst of storms and struggles, and we
recognize that He loves us beyond measure, then we can have the courage to
relinquish our desires to be first.
by Crystal Lewis

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equip

tot t i m e
( ag e s 3 & u n d e r )

Repetition is fundamental to almost any learning style, so when you’re attempting to
teach your children, use repetition!
lie down

These commandments that I give you
today are to be on your hearts. Impress
them on your children. Talk about them
when you sit at home and when you
walk along the road, when you lie
down and when you get up.

g the roa
lon

d

at home
sit

a

get up

(Deuteronomy 6:6–7)

sit at home

While at home this month, sing this fun rhyme to the tune of “Bingo”
as you go to different people in the family and ask “What needs to be done?”

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equip

to u g h to p i c s
Sin. What an ugly word. But you can help your kids understand
sin and what to do about it.

What Is Sin?

Sin refers to attitudes, actions, words, or a lack of faith
that misses what God wants us to be and do. It might also be
something we don’t do but should. Sin results in a break in our
relationship with God and, often, another person.
As toxic as sin is, we can’t get rid of it ourselves. Assure your
kids that only God—because He loves us so much—can make
it right. He sent His perfect Son, Jesus, to die in our place to
bring us the opportunity to be forgiven and to be restored in
our relationship with Him.
Romans 6:23 explains it: “For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
When we ask God to forgive us, He wipes away our sin, and His
Spirit gives us a fresh start. Admitting our wrong is often the
hardest part. As we as parents model this, our kids learn how
to recognize and deal with their own sin.

equip

the middle
(6 t h

What a Difference
a Question Makes
Kids love to ask questions. When they’re
young, it’s the never-ending litany of “Why?”
questions as they’re attempting to make sense
of the world around them. During the middle
school years, however, the questions begin to
change. This is the age when children begin
to ask questions that will define them. Middle
school is the age when kids start to take steps
out on their own and begin the process of
discovering who they are and what their lives
will be about. As long as your kids are in the
question-asking mode, you might consider
giving them another one to add to their
repertoire: “What needs to be done?”
When I was in middle school, I was very
involved in my church and in serving God.
But, if I’m totally honest, I was a lot more
involved in myself. Serving was something I did
out of a sense or responsibility or looking for
a place to belong. It was the occasional event
provided by the church. It was the chance to

to

8 t h GRADE)

give myself a pat on the back and feel good
about participating in a “serve opportunity.”
That “feel-good feeling” would last for a while,
and when it began to wear off, the next serve
opportunity would come around to restore it.
Serving, for me, became something I did at a
particular place and time. Unfortunately, this
set the pattern for what service would look like
in my life for quite a while.
God doesn’t call us to an event of serving; He
calls us to a lifestyle of it. Look at Romans 12:1:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in
view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as
a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—
this is your true and proper worship.”
The word for bodies in this verse is the
Greek word soma, and in some contexts
refers to the whole self. That sounds like a
lot more than just an event or an occasional
opportunity. In fact, we’re told that this is the
best way we can worship our God. If this
is the lifestyle we’re called to lead, and our
middle schoolers are beginning the journey
of figuring out how they want to live, then this
might be an important component to share
with them. This, then, brings us back to the
question “What needs to be done?”
22

This question has redefined what service is
to me. It’s a question that I can constantly ask
and a question that sparks dialogue between
the Lord and me throughout the day. As I’m
asking this question, suddenly opportunities
for service are all around me. Whether it’s
something small like picking up a piece
of trash, or something bigger like helping
someone who has a flat tire on the side of
the road, my eyes are open to the ways I can
serve and worship God while sharing His
love with this world.
As parents, you have the opportunity
to build this question into your child’s
identity. Start by asking the question
together as a family. Model it for them. Have
conversations about it with them. Personally,
I often wonder how my life and relationship
with God would be different if I’d learned
to ask this question when I was beginning
to define my identity. Think about a
generation of children that would approach
each situation in their lives asking and then
answering that question. Our world would
become a different place. We must start
somewhere—why not in your home?
by Matt Barnes

SERVING | HomeFrontMag.com

support

m a r r i ag e

FIVE QUESTIONS
TO ASK OURSELVES
by Roger Tirabassi

As a premarital counselor I have the
privilege of preparing couples for
marriage. Couples spend 15 hours
going through a program I designed
that helps them develop relational
skills, learn how to know their
partner better, agree upon a system
to deal with conflicts, and talk about
expectations for marriage.
When we talk about expectations
for marriage, a couple often says they
won’t have any serious problems;
they will always be in love, and their
romance will never fade. When I ask
them why they’re getting married,
they usually say, “Because we love
each other,” “We just want to be
together forever,” “Because of what
he does for me,” or “Because no one
loves me like she loves me.”
Rarely have I heard a soon-to-be
spouse say, “So I can serve him or
her.” Yet Jesus came as a servant
and calls us to follow in His footsteps.
When I talk about serving one
another, I often see blank stares on
the couple’s faces. Couples don’t
usually enter marriage thinking
about how they can serve one
another, but that’s exactly what
Jesus taught us our roles should
be. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to
become great among you must be
your servant, and whoever wants
to be first must be slave of all. For
even the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve, and to
give his life as a ransom for many”
(Mark 10:43–45).

“THE SON OF MAN DID NOT COME
TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE.”
Do you take the role as servant in your marriage? How you can daily serve
your spouse? I believe if we were to daily take the position as a servant in our
marriages, we would change the face of marriage in the Christian church.

Consider the following five questions to begin the change:
1. What thoughts do I have that go contrary to Christ’s message on
servanthood? (“I shouldn’t have to do this for him.” “What does she
think I am—her slave?” “Doesn’t he see all of the other things I do for
him?” “Do I always have to be the one to sacrifice?”)
2. How can I become a better servant to my spouse?
3. Do you know what your spouse needs from you the most?
4. What are three ways I can serve my spouse better today?
5. How can I affirm my spouse for how he or she has served me
over the years?

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support

s p i r i t ua l pa r e n t i n g

E
L
L
E
H
C
I
M
/
W
X
INBO
ANTHONY

Q:
A:

I feel as though I’m always pointing out
serving opportunities to my children. At
what age should I expect my children to
ask the question “What needs to be done?”
themselves?

Simply said, our children will mimic our
actions and value what they see us value—not
necessarily what we say. If we find ourselves
constantly reminding our children to have
a servant’s heart but they don’t see this
lived out in our lives, we may never see our
children asking this question or acting on
it. However, children are quick to do what
we do. As you set the example of living out
a servant’s heart and asking “What needs
to be done?” I think you will find even your
youngest children following in your footsteps.

“SERVING” IS A
POSTURE OF THE
HEART THAT GOD
CREATES IN US

Q:
A:

What is the difference between “serving” and
“chores”?

In the context of the home, there are just
certain things that need to get accomplished
to maintain order. While a “chore” is something
that sounds like a drudgery that needs to get
done before the fun can happen (and often
conjures up negative emotions), “serving” is a
posture of the heart that God creates in us as
His Spirit inspires us to live out the life He has
called us to. In serving, the focus is on someone
or something else, and in that selflessness we
find true joy and happiness according to God’s
Word. The other fundamental difference is that
chores are something we are directed to do by
parents when we are young, whereas serving is
something that God’s Spirit directs us to do for
our entire lives as we seek Him.

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support

s p i r i t ua l g r a n d pa r e n t i n g

“what needs to
be done ?” game

Depending on the age of your grandchild, give him 15 to 30 seconds
to look at the photo below. Then ask “What needs to be done?” Allow
your grandchild to list several of the obvious tasks—pick up trash, help
the homeless man, etc.
Then give the photo back to your grandchild and tell him to look
a little longer. Encourage him to pray and ask God to show him what
needs to be done. Help your grandchild to think outside the box and
see beyond what’s obvious. Are there people hurting? If so, what needs
to be done? Is someone in danger? If so, what needs to be done? Does
someone need a meal or a home? If so, what needs to be done?

One of the advantages of being a grandparent is the special
relationship we form with our grandchildren. We can relive all of the
fun parts of parenting without all of the responsibilities. And when we
get tired, we can send them home!

As you play this game with your grandchildren, remind them that
this could be a street in any city or town—even their own! Encourage
them to enter every situation asking “What needs to be done?” and
relying on the Holy Spirit to give them eyes to see and hearts to serve.

Because our time with our grandchildren is more intentional, it
seems like everything we do with them is “special”—especially when
it comes to spiritual things. With this in mind, we want to challenge
you this month to play the “What Needs to Be Done?” game with
your grandchild.

by Debbie Guinn

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10 ENVIRONMENTS
Below you'll find a brief explanation of each environment.
1. Storytelling—The power of The Big God Story impacts our lives by giving us an accurate and awe-inspiring
perspective of how God has been moving throughout history. It is the story of redemption, salvation, and hope and
tells how I have been grafted into it by grace. It further compels us to see how God is using every person’s life and
is creating a unique story that deserves to be told for His glory.
“God has a big story, and I can be a part of it!”
2. Identity—This environment highlights who we are in Christ. According to Ephesians 1, we have been chosen,
adopted, redeemed, sealed, and given an inheritance in Christ … all of which we did nothing to earn. This conviction
allows children to stand firm against the destructive counter identities the world will offer.
“I belong to God, and He loves me!”
3. Faith Community—God designed us to live in community and to experience Him in ways that can only happen
in proximity to one another. The faith community serves to create an environment to equip and disciple parents, to
celebrate God’s faithfulness, and to bring a richness of worship through tradition and rituals, which offer children
an identity. Our love for each other reflects the love we have received from God.
“God’s family cares for each other and worships God together.”

4. Serving—This posture of the heart asks the question, “What needs
to be done?” It allows the Holy Spirit to cultivate a sensitivity to others
and focuses on a cause bigger than one individual life. It helps fulfill the
mandate that as Christ followers we are to view our lives as living sacrifices
that we generously give away!
“Asks the question, ‘What needs to be done?’”

5. Out of the Comfort Zone—As children are challenged to step out of their comfort zones from an early age,
they learn to experience a dependence on the Holy Spirit to equip and strengthen them beyond their natural
abilities and desires. We believe this environment will cultivate a generation that, instead of seeking comfort, seeks
a radical life of faith in Christ.

IT IS OUR PRAYER
THAT HOMES AND
CHURCHES WOULD
CREATE THESE
ENVIRONMENTS
FOR KIDS TO LIVE
IN SO THEIR FAITH
WILL GROW IN A
COMMUNITY OF
CONSISTENCY,
COMMON LANGUAGE,
AND PRACTICE.
TO LEARN MORE
ABOUT HOW THESE
ENVIRONMENTS
CAN IGNITE A
TRANSFORMING
FAITH IN YOUR
FAMILY, WE SUGGEST
YOU READ:

“God transforms me when I step out in faith.”
6. Responsibility—This environment captures the ability to take ownership for one’s life, gifts, and resources
before God. A child must be challenged to take responsibility for his or her brothers and sisters in Christ, as well
as for those who are spiritually lost. Our hope is that the Holy Spirit will use this environment to allow each child
to understand that God has entrusted His world to us.
“God has entrusted me with the things and people He created around me.”
7. Course Correction—This environment flows out of Hebrews 12:11–13 and is the direct opposite of punishment.
Instead, biblical discipline for a child encompasses a season of pain, the building up in love, and a vision of a
corrected path for the individual with the purpose of healing at its core.
“When I get off track, God offers me a path of healing.”

SPIRITUAL
PARENTING:

8. Love/Respect—Without love, our faith becomes futile. This environment recognizes that children need an
environment of love and respect in order to be free to both receive and give God’s grace. Key to this environment is
the value that children are respected because they embody the image of God. We must speak to them, not at them,
and we must commit to an environment where love and acceptance are never withheld due to one’s behavior.

9. Knowing—Nothing could be more important than knowing and being known by God. We live in a world that
denies absolute truth, but God’s Word offers just that. As we create an environment that upholds and displays God’s
truth, we give children a foundation based on knowing God, believing His Word, and cultivating a relationship with
Him through Christ. God is holy, mighty, and awesome, yet He has chosen to make Himself known to us!
“God knows me, and I can know Him.”
10. Modeling—Biblical content needs a practical living expression in order for it to be spiritually impacting. This
environment serves as a hands-on example of what it means for children to put their faith into action. Modeling
puts flesh on faith and reminds us that others are watching to see if we live what we believe.
“I see Christ in others, and they can see Him in me.”

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acts of service

“CREATE” RESOURCE (FROM PG. 11)

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awaken
the families
in your church!
Spiritual Parenting is a six-part program that
empowers parents in your church to be the
primary nurturers of their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faith.
Families will be transformed as they learn
how to create space for God-encounters in
everyday life.
Perfect for parenting classes, momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groups,
mid-week programs, retreats, and more!